The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations 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 be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and 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 fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. 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 top rated cots-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and Cots To Tots comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match 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 is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to 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 that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.