The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cot bed cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards 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!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple cots to tots move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together 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 included instructions are generally 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 years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design 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 soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.