The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, Mini Cot Bed it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the Baby Cot Bed's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 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 full-size cheap cot bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.