The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs beds for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has 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 around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby beds.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.