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's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs (pop over here) are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations 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 adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your cheap baby cots.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by 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 an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
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 over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of baby cot online's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last.