How To Survive Your Boss With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available 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 smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size Cot Bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery cots's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.