The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets 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 easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while 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 heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your 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 is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby cots online did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your Baby Crib. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs (sneak a peek here), we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase cot for sale most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last cots and tots is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.