The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (My Page)
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet 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 certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose recommended cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cots have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your Baby Crib's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
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 pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. most recommended cribs parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.