The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cot bed cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as 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 drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics, tots and cots it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that 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 vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. 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 decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality tots and cots environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.