The 10 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 select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best cot beds are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their best crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler cheap cot bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery cots's decor.
Another option that is a great 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, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.