The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get 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. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, Baby beds however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that is 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 there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.