The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your Baby Crib's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, Mini cot beds so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's most recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside 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 expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, Cot Sale and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.
