How To Outsmart Your Boss In Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling tots and cots arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed 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 meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby cot online sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch 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. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable cots, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.