It's The Next Big Thing In Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate 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 complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
great crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and 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 a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.