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 isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and Mini cot bed quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and best cot bed adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can 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 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport 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 when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery cots.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. 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 make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.