10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Concerning Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, 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, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. browse around here says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent 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.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice 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 to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included 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.