5 Best Infant Cribs Myths You Should Avoid
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping 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 to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in 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, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to 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 broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress 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 can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs [have a peek here] will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant Cot Bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top ranked cribs cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler cot bed sales, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.
