The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs [Highly recommended Resource site]
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide 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 crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be 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 meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best cot newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small cot beds feet can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and best infant Cribs environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable cots, high-quality crib that will last.