The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe cots and tots should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly 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. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and cot Sales has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized 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 built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.