The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. 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, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and infant cot bed Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive 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 is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best cots uk to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
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 other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. 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.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.