How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of 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 to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
good cribs is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
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 to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). try this website exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.