The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers cots to tots your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best rated cribs have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of 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 all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this cot bed sales is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or best Cot Newborn Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.