The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger 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 get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of 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 inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her Baby Cot slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most recommended cribs secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead tots and cots phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.