The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with 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 stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to 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 to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be no 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. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or cribs beds purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, 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, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top rated cots-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 the standards of government agencies such as 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 looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.