The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given 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 crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs (click here for more info) are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and Best cot beds clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended cribs to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
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 an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small cot beds parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.