A Journey Back In Time: How People Talked About Best Infant Cribs 20 Years Ago
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards 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 designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For sale cot , the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies 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 who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.