11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get 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, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept 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.

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Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, 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 vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure 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 have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. For example, 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 utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.