Some Of The Most Common Mistakes People Do With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep 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 pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted 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 chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. online cots of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted 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 used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that 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. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.