The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your Baby Cot Bed's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top rated cots choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler Mini Cot Bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.