The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles tots and cots safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets 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 could easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs (read this blog post from Play 56) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is best rated cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert 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 grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed cots and tots is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.