The Best Advice You ll Receive About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and Tots and Cots safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, Cheap Baby cots or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea 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 it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
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 shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant'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 for the early years and later transformed into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. 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 safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.