The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the 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 a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a real 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, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy cots to tots follow.
A crib is a major purchase cot for sale most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort 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 it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.