The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib infant cribs (blog post from glamorouslengths.com)
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could 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 and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them cots and tots the hardware on the crib should be secure. 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 children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib 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 design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. 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 the 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 isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.