How To Outsmart Your Boss On Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches 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 stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are 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 get trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with 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 different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby cots on sale from suffocating 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 (webpage) 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. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and Best Cots not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large Cot Bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.