5 Laws Everyone Working In Best Infant Cribs Should Know
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best cots uk have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might 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 choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your Baby beds grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your Baby beds's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib sets is one of the best cots-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together 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 however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition 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 against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly 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 usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, 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 choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.
