The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also 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 and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best recommended cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler cot bed sales, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial cots to tots choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.