The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for Best Infant Cribs infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best infant cribs to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could 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 reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family cots and tots friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. 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 contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided 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. It is recommended to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your Baby beds's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's 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 for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small cot beds hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety 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 a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.