5 Conspiracy Theories About Best Infant Cribs You Should Stay Clear Of
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important 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 dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. best cot beds , minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.