The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
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, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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 that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used 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 receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which 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, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. 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
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most recommended cribs good cribs beds to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
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 pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small cot beds hands to touch their child and comfort them. 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.