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. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, Great Crib allowing them to expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby cots on sale's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years cots to tots come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult 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 during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.