The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. 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 Mini cotbed CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended cribs to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your cheap baby cots for sale is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and 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 design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.