The 10 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. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice 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. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, Cots To Tots like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your cheap baby cots is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
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 transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.