The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib newborn infant cribs (a fantastic read)
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
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 the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, Sale Cot toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby Crib.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.