The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby cot online's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. 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 infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only 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 modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
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 the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
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 from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.