The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from 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 safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while 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 and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also 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 and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this cot bed sales is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby cot online. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most 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.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.