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 can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger 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 be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure 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 heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cot bed cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size cot bed sales. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.