The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, best baby cots and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden 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 raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your Baby Cot Bed from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to 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 the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later 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 which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.