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. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and 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. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements 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 be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy 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 secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit cots to tots accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than 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 relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs (just click the following post), we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler cheap cot bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is 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.
Another great crib option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to 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, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.