The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items cot for sale your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends cots and tots family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For best rated cribs long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top 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, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.