Best Infant Cribs Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby’s nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby’s crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby’s crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding 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.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you’re buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don’t buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should be avoided, while others–like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It’s not an area to store toys or clothing. It’s also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It’s also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it’s not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It’s worth noting, however it’s more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or www.cots4Tots.co.uk overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby’s crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn’t have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It’s a bit more costly than other cribs, however it’s sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it’s easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn’t come with a mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It’s a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby’s reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also 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 large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery’s theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.