10 Sites To Help You To Become An Expert In Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib (Botdb`s recent blog post), given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging 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 in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, 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 become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified 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 that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the Baby beds's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her Baby Crib slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. 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 easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides 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 safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and Cribs beds JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.