Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
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 overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean 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.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. crib sets 's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended 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 many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. linked webpage is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will 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 convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.