The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up 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 laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best crib newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. 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 in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe tots and cots comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top rated cots pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable cots crib that will last.