Why You re Failing At Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential 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).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for cot beds For Sale (Mindstube.com) babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
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 sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.