The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If 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 fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep 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 the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
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 simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an 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 many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will 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 pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then 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, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.