The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your Baby beds's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for mini Cot Beds any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as 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 should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging 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, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler infant cot bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab 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 a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.