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 isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cots uk cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be 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 must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs beds with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, 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 transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is 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 mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery cots.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes 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 surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy 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.