15 Gifts For The Best Infant Cribs Lover In Your Life
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep 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 pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to 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 on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. recommended cribs 's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate 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 isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.