The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet 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 certs!) 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 choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and Cheap Cots heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and Best Crib newborn drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and best cot For Newborn hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern 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 price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, 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 variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.