The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep 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 harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended cribs to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have cots to tots comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant cot bed bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to 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 is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most recommended cribs expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.
