An In-Depth Look Back A Trip Back In Time: What People Talked About Best Infant Cribs 20 Years Ago
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns. Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style. Safety When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress. The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs. No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby. The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components. It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons. Style While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents. A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one. Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit. Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices. The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit. Adjustable Mattress Height If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating. A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space. The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born. Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. great crib www.cots4tots.co.uk has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery. The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler. There are no dangling or chewable ingredients. The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby. In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow. It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed. The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme. Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.