11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection 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 assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, Baby Cots Online allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant cot bed sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs (browse around here) will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, Affordable Cots cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.