A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose 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 aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (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 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 may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable 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 area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure 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 good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs [right here on www.cots4tots.co.uk] will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand 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 parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.
