The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning 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 harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best crib cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's best infant cribs to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best baby cots-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult 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 in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.