The 10 Most 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. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or nursery Cots CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see Baby beds, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your Baby Cot Bed sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it 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 touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cot bed cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.