The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial cots to tots choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your Baby Cot Bed.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. 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 crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.