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 one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. 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 is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested cots and tots inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted 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 akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good cribs reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.