How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. relevant web-site may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could 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 security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level 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 complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. 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 for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate 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 security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many 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 will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.