The 10 Most Terrifying 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. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to 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 durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended cribs to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as 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 the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this Cot Bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for 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 utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or 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 infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great crib reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.