The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, Mini Cot beds dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select 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 that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cots uk-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most recommended cribs new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted 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 which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.