The 10 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. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your Baby Cot's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed 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 standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best crib to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs beds are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic 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 aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes 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. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent 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 expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good cribs reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.