These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Using Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other 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 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best crib for newborn have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended cribs to select 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi crib sets, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a 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 with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.