The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like 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 think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your Baby Cot from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs beds. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. 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.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and Baby Cot comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses 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 crib choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.