How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up 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 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 certifications!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also 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 it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. click here to investigate that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
tots and cots or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.