Why You re Failing At Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. 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 wheels/casters desirable for 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. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their Baby Cot slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only issue with 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 can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that 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 against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough cots to tots put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult 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 for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as 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 a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.
