The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (click through the next webpage)
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease 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 worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler cot bed sales or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. 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 shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need 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 safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant cot bed's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great crib choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.