The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby cots on sale. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well tots and cots the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within baby cots on sale's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery cots's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.