The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Crib Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due cots to tots age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and 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 safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer 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 baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most recommended cribs secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to 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 a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.