The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (these details)
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local 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 tough and reversible, which means they'll continue cots to tots grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. 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 selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested 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 not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, best cot Beds but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's 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. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure 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 ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.
