The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (simply click the up coming article)
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has 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 setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept 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
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good cribs condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size Mini Cot Bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.