The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. 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 could 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 materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler cot bed sales conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby 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 is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested 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 that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant cot bed bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best baby cots cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, tots and cots full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.