The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. 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 also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cots uk have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a 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
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best rated cribs-best rated cribs cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.