How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Find online cots that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) visit this website designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. try this will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. 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 parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.