The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state 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 certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby cots on sale.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, cheap Baby cots and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for Best baby cots a convertible crib 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's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.