The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your Baby beds's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your Baby Cot's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken in 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 meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best crib for newborn combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.