The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, 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 can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for 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 important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib sets, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
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 included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features 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 stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cot bed infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good 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 safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, Baby crib and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.