The 10 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. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in 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 bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby cots on sale's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging 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 a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best rated cribs cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler cot bed sales and finally an adult-sized cheap cot bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-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 white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.