The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items 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 should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can 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 the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best baby cots cots to tots avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler Mini Cot Bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option cot for sale those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.