5 Best Infant Cribs Myths You Should Avoid
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby cots online which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must 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 children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby beds.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.