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 right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your Baby Cot Bed.
The slats of your crib 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 should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your cheap baby cots from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult 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 in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib sets is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.