5 Cliches About Best Infant Cribs You Should Stay Clear Of
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept 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 reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as 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 desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and Best crib for newborn it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include 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 turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of 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 a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design 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 secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. most recommended cribs parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable cots, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.