Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You re Not Doing
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. 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 be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant 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 is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested 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 ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the Baby Cot's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.