The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your Baby beds. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party 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 can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many 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 list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best cots for newborns have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape 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 is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's cheap cot bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.