The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs beds come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your cheap baby cots for sale and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.