Cots 4 Tots

The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby’s crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby’s nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up 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, state and local standards for structural safety. They’re also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you’re buying a new crib or used, it’s essential to choose cribs that meet today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don’t buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn’t intended to be used for toys or clothes. It’s intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It’s also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It’s also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it’s not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It’s worth noting, though, that it’s more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn’t able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it’s a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby’s crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn’t have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib’s sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It’s a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It’s also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn’t have a mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby’s reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler’s bed, 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 for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It’s designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.