The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and top rated cots wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top rated cots selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your Baby Cot Bed's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.