The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Cot Bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your Baby Cot sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into an infant Mini Cot Bed or a bassinet and has wheels that 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 design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later 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 with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.