The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations 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 convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, best cots uk age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children 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 deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best baby cots are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs 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 hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good cribs reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.