17 Reasons You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and nursery cots assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your Baby beds grows. Most good Cribs (17.caiwik.com) will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
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 be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy cots to tots follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.