20 Things You Need To Know About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns. Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design. Safety Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. 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 trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress. The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child. If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child. The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, 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, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons. Style Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents. A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives. Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately). Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices. The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit. Adjustable Mattress Height If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation. A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for 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 are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby. Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery. The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler. No Dangling or Chewable Components The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby. In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow. A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress. Our favorite 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 to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme. Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. cot sales not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.