The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging 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 could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. 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, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't 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 designed 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 lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib 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. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, 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 other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler cheap cot bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best infant cribs-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it 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 also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
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 transformed into an infant cheap cot bed, a daybed or a large cheap cot bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.
