The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most recommended cribs essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them cots and tots the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cot newborn-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, tots and cots the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.