Best Infant Cribs: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns. Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style. Safety Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child. It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child. The slats of your crib 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 should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components. It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public. Style While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents. One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives. best cot newborn are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately). Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks. 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 a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds. Adjustable Mattress Height If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated. A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child. Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it 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 womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery. The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler. No Dangling or Chewable Components The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach. In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow. It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed. Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and 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 with your nursery's theme. Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.