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 one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging 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 your baby's nursery cots. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local 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 designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) cots and tots the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is 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 available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose 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 which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed 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 more like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or infant Cot bed other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.
