The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects 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 other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your Baby Cot's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good 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 come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best crib newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like 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 entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.