The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make 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 child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up 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 laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (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 cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery cots spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, cheap Baby cots For sale so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cot bed cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe 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 safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great crib choice for those who want an affordable cots, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.