The 10 Most 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. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for Top ranked cribs safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your cheap baby cots for sale's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby cots online. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best baby cots cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed 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.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.