17 Signs To Know You Work With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib sets, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top ranked cribs-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand cot Bed with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.