The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (visit website)
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other 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 sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. 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
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed 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 help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.