The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable 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 also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local 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!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select recommended cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cot beds-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe tots and cots comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.
