The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant cot bed.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might 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 must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters 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 a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, best cots for newborns (https://click4r.com) one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant cot bed bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant cot bed bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, best cots uk high-quality crib that will last for a long time.