How To Survive Your Boss With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations cot for sale 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 last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or Baby Cot Bed lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most Good Cribs (Selfless.Wiki) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top ranked cribs choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and Cot Bed Sales environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.