A Journey Back In Time What People Said About Best Infant Cribs 20 Years Ago
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
cribs beds is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy 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 lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. 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 a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
best crib for newborn to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.