The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your Baby beds. This includes pillows, blankets 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 can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements 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 are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best crib newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, affordable cots are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still 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 creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over 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 be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. 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 simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 toxins 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 a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable cots crib that will last.