10 Websites To Help You Develop Your Knowledge About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It's best cot bed to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all recommended cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best cots uk to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say 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 important to find one that will last for best crib for newborn years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.