The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet 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!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can grow 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. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (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 any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor Crib sets space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best cots to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. 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 newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached tots and cots are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.