The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best cot for newborn infant cribs (Salda wrote)
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 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, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like 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 is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and 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 also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested 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 there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated 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 shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great crib option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed tots and cots finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible most recommended cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.