The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs [source for this article]
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware cots and tots all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. 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
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. 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 used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of cheap baby cots for sale's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.