The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and Best Crib Newborn reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large 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 other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good cribs shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, Best Cots For Newborns white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.