The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery cots spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent 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 child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their best crib newborn with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large best cot bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.