The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most recommended cribs essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to 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 larger than 15 inches should not be allowed cots to tots 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 engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best cots to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area 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 arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best cots have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a 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, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.