The 10 Most 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 best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of 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 an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler cot bed sales when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea 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 make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs 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 pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. 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.
In addition to the safety features of our best cot bed cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.