Why You re Failing At Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
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 essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards cot for sale structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant cot bed to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, cots 4 Tots CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.