The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (Resource)
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cot beds cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand recommended cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all 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 be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select the crib that 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter 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 baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs beds for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. most recommended cribs parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.