The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys 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 larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be spaced 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 also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended cots to tots be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Crib sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick the 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 that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or [Redirect Only] a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most recommended cribs expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.