The History Of Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local 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're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best 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 product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. see more says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching 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
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's 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 also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to 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, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many 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 beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the 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 purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.