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. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby cots online's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed 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 stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and 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 level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and Best Cot bed requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended cribs to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your cheap baby cots and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then 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 beginning, and later converted into an infant Mini Cot Bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.