The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. 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 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends tots and cots family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great crib. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that 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.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended cribs to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best crib-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small cot beds parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.