The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, 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 in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be stuck 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 adhere to strict federal laws, 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're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and Tots And Cots should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her cheap baby cots slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler Mini Cot Bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. 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 come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.