The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (reviews over at Thoughtlanes)
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby cot online and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.
