The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib newborn 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.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your cheap baby cots's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 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's best rated cribs to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase 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 position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and Baby Cot (fewpal.com) GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. 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 used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.