The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family 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 love best cots are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your Baby Cot Bed. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs beds do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including 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 looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.