The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib for newborn crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be 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. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good cribs crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. 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 child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 surpasses all 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 seeking a top rated cots-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.