11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your 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 crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
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 items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
best crib newborn doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes 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 surpasses all 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 an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.