The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery cots of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best cots have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product 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 space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
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 provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained 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 that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that 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, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized Cot Bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great crib option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.