The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). 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 can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or Cot sets CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib 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 height tots and cots wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great crib. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like 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 who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.