The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is best cots to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for good Cribs sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise 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 after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of 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 costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small cot beds hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.