The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second Baby Cot.
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 more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, best baby cots cheap cots (check out this blog post via Timeoftheworld) which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach 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 for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib sets that will last.