20 Things You Must Be Educated About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality cots and tots features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in 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 with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, tots and cots later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.