The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs [click here to visit Ts for free] are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no 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 secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality great crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or Recommended Cribs a toddler cheap cot bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable 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 alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant'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 in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. 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 purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.