7 Simple Strategies To Totally Intoxicating Your Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. 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 popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best cot newborn have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality 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 (these details) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your Baby Crib's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best crib-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. 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.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly 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 will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
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 to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.