The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot beds Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It is best cots uk to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great crib alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs (discover this), we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as 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 buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.