The 10 Most Terrifying 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. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby cots online's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, 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 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, Good Cribs which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top rated cots cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 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, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.