The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations 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'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 to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable 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. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think 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, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design 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 a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your cheap baby cots's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cots for newborns-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that 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. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured tots and cots aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.