The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot beds infant cribs (click through the following page)
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
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 the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib sets on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow 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 hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized Mini Cot Bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.