How To Beat Your Boss On Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed 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 meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

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 of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs; resources, will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's Best cot for newborn to choose 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, best crib it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.