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, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as 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 sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand recommended cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase 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 adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib 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 casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed cots to tots a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. 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
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.