The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery cots. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, 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 items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals 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 be stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, tots and cots it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your Baby Cot's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.