The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in 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 within them. They may also be taken in 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 adhere to strict federal, 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!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs beds may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (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 is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best baby cots are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of 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 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 higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for 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 aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
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 a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of cheap baby cots for sale.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large Cot Bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.