What s The Reason You re Failing At Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on 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 secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby cots online which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs (emseyi.com) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option 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 make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant Mini Cot Bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.