The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with 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 are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended cribs to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best infant cribs are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated 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 complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler best cot bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to select the crib that is 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 not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best baby cots cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.
