The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged 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. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. cot beds cots4tots adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
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 touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.