The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best baby cots are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. 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 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 has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and Baby Cot the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice 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 Cot Bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.
