The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or 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, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
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 a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as 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 is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow 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 from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs beds, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small cot beds parents can reach their child and calm them. 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.