The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers cots to tots your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 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 an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed cot beds for sale the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great crib option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.