The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and cots to tots 4 tots (writeablog.net) bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy 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 infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed 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 that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top ranked cribs-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.