The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no 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 inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your 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 GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and baby cot beds for sale (Wintergreen.Coffee) it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent 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 child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable 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 create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs beds for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.