The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs 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 a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most recommended cribs cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs (the full details), we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most recommended cribs expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant cot bed sales, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.