The 10 Most Scariest 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. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. 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. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 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. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an 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, while others--like 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 solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best rated cribs are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best cot bed-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and Baby Beds are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.