The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby cots online's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best baby cots cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your Baby Cot's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed 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 has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling 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 injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together 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's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.