The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best baby cots to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best cot beds are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that 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 turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great crib option 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 durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to 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 a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed cot beds for sale the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.