Best Infant Cribs: What's No One Is Discussing

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns. Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style. Safety Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress. The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child. It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used www.cots4tots.co.uk may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant. The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts. It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety. Style Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents. A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives. Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately). Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks. The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit. Adjustable Mattress Height When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation. A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby. Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery. The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler. No Chewable or Dangling Parts 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 very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach. In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow. A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress. The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger 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 beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.