IKEA, a Swedish-based company, is among the leading producers of baby products, including toys, baby clothing, cribs, potty, mattresses, and many more. The brand has more than six baby crib models, with their Sniglar crib becoming one of the coziest, safest, and most loved cribs.
Key Takeaways
- The Ikea Cribs are made from unfurnished beechwood, which guarantees safety from toxic additives.
- Ikea cribs are lightweight, with an average weight of 40 lbs.
- As far as baby cribs are concerned, Ikea cribs are one of the safest baby cribs on the market.
- Sniglar baby cribs meet the U.S. CPSC, ASTM International, and European safety standards.
You can easily convert Ikea's Sniglar Crib into a toddler bed by taking off one side. However, the Sniglar convertable crib can't prevent rolling without the crib's side rail and won't be as kid-safe as before. So, are Ikea cribs safe? Let's find out.
Are IKEA Cribs Safe?
IKEA cribs are one of the safest baby cribs around the globe as they meet the crib safety standards set by the United States for baby beds. Their design, materials used, and finishing are all tailored for safety. Besides, they are made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, meaning you won't risk exposing your child to toxic chemicals, the leading cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The IKEA Sniglar crib is also well-ventilated. At the base, its design allows for efficient air circulation, ensuring a safe sleeping environment.
To ensure comfort and extended safety, we recommend pairing the IKEA Sniglar crib with the IKEA crib mattress. These crib mattresses are designed to fit perfectly into the crib to prevent your baby from getting stuck in the crib's side. Unfortunately, they are sold separately; you'll have to order them as separate packages.
Remember not to add anything to your crib. You shouldn't put a blanket, pillow, or other baby gear inside the crib. Doing so could block air circulation and lead to suffocation. You should also place your crib a distance away from the curtains in your nursery. If you abide by all these provisions, the IKEA crib should be the safest baby crib for your kid.
Baby Crib Best Practices
Baby sleeping patterns and positions keep on changing. There are times you should let your baby sleep on their back, while others you should do tummy time. The most important thing as a parent is to keep your baby safe while sleeping. You should consider the following guidelines to keep your baby safe while sleeping;
- Ensure there isn't any space left between the crib's sides and the mattress. If any, it should be at most two fingers wide.
- Do not put anything else with your baby in the crib. Avoid putting loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
- The maximum lifespan for a crib should be ten years. Avoid any crib more than ten years old. Also, keep off cribs with any modifications.
- Abide by the manufacturer's instructions when assembling your crib. Assembling procedures may vary from one crib to another.
- Put your crib a distance away from a window with loose curtains cords.
- No extra padding is needed. Keep your crib as it is.
- Do not install crib bumpers in your crib. Doing so will pose a hazard to your kid.
When to Start Using a Crib
As a new parent, you should use the crib around three to four months after birth. It is recommended to sleep with your newborn in the same room for at least the first six months. However, they shouldn't sleep on the same surface as yours.
First, put your baby in a bassinet near your bed. You should do so for the first months until they outgrow the bassinet. You can introduce them to the crib and then progress to a toddler bed.
Features of the IKEA Crib
IKEA sniglar cribs have the following features.
Weight and Size
The size of the IKEA crib is around 52.0 inches long and 27.5 inches wide, which is the standard dimension for a baby crib. You can use an IKEA crib mattress or get one from any other brand with the same mattress settings.
The IKEA crib can accommodate loads of up to 50lbs. Given that kids between birth and six years weigh 45 to 50 lbs, the crib is ideal for that age range. Since the crib converts into a toddler bed, you can use the furniture until you switch to a regular bed, making it one of the best baby cribs available.
Design and Durability
IKEA cribs have simple yet sturdy designs. The bed rails are made of solid beech, making them highly durable. Besides sturdiness, the beds are environment-friendly as they use renewable materials, keeping the environment clean.
These baby cribs let you adjust the crib base to meet various baby's needs. In the early stages, you should use the top base. However, when the child grows, you should move them to the lower base, which is wider.
As the baby grows and starts climbing the crib, you can remove one side of the railings. You won't need to lift your growing baby through the top rail anytime they want to come out. Also, you reduce the risks of your baby falling while attempting to come out of the crib.
Safety Issues
IKEA cribs are safe and certified, unlike other baby cribs with endless complaints and recalls of cribs sold. However, parents are discouraged from buying second-hand cribs because they may need more essential parts.
Keep the IKEA Sniglar free from any material, including crib toys and pillows, to enhance your baby's safety.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Cribs
When looking for baby cribs, you should consider the following factors;
Customization
Customization is a major factor every parent should consider in their baby's crib. An ideal baby crib should be adjustable to accommodate your growing baby's needs. Manufacturers also use this factor as one of the vital selling points.
A customizable baby crib lets you use it for many years. It is worth noting that not all customizable cribs are safe for your baby; some may have safety and health hazards.
Crib Safety and Certification
You should always check to ensure that your ideal crib adheres to the highest safety standards set by the relevant bodies. Below is a list of the safety provisions and certifications you should keep an eye on.
- The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This U.S. government agency assesses "unreasonable risks" of injury associated with various products. It evaluates baby cribs based on consumer complaints. It is the body that develops uniform crib safety standards.
- UL GREENGUARD Certification. This certification requires all products, baby cribs included, to undergo an independent testing and monitoring procedure for chemical materials. Only products that meet U.L.'s stringent emissions standards get certified.
- The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This body sets technical standards for various products around the world. For a baby crib to be ASTM certified, it should be compliant with its provisions.
Pros and Cons of IKEA Sniglar Cribs
After thorough research, here are the pros and cons of IKEA baby cribs.
Pros
Cons
- The crib can collapse before it reaches its maximum weight limit.
FAQs
When to Start Using a Crib
Start using a baby crib when your baby turns three to six months. If your baby is still comfortable in the bassinet, you shouldn't rush them to the crib. Move them to the crib when they outgrow the bassinet or feel uncomfortable on the bassinet.
Is IKEA Crib Safe?
Yes, the IKEA crib is safe. It is made from solid beech, which is strong and durable, thus enhancing safety. This crib also complies with the United States safety provisions, which are up to the safety standards. Being made from eco-friendly materials means that the IKEA crib is safe from toxic chemicals which may harm your child. Lastly, it is well-ventilated; thus, it can't suffocate your child.
Should I Buy the IKEA Crib?
Yes, you should consider an IKEA sniglar crib for your child. These baby cribs are affordable, durable, and, most importantly, safe for your kids. If your budget is below $100, there isn't any other place to look other than IKEA.
However, the fact that the IKEA Sniglar crib has only two mattress-level options may be a bit of concern to some individuals. It only has lower-level and mid-height options. Therefore, it may inconvenience individuals shorter than five feet three inches when lifting their babies from the crib.
What to Look for When Searching for the Best Baby Cribs?
When searching for the best baby crib, consider the following.
- The crib should have no cutouts in the footboards or headboards.
- The crib should not have any part missing or broken.
- The sides should be stationary.
- The corner posts should be at most 1/16 inch high.
- The slat separation should be at most 2 3/8 inches.