The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best cot beds crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be 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 comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic 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 many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler cheap cot bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which 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 minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last cot for sale a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick 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 larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand Good Cribs; to Adrestyt, pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.