The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
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 not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation 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 is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great crib option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.
