10 Sites To Help You To Become A Proficient In Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib sets that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with 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 placing and assembling your crib for your child. 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended cribs 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 that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. 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.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, sale cot and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.