The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your Baby Cot and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy 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 the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs beds do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.