The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot bed cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from 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 CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Cot Bed sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's 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 a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.