The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your Baby beds's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants 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 tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, good Cribs minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices 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 at the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler Cot Bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is cots to tots set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.