The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Cot Bed sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to pick 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and Baby Cot aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending 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.
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. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the 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 looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.