The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your Baby Cot's nursery. 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 sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style 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 product that is free of toxics. It can be converted 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 can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. 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 utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for Baby Cot Bed a long time.