The 10 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. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for Cots Offers - Http://101.43.129.26/ - any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate 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 can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm 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 for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and Baby Cot Bed phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.