The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (why not look here)
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's best crib for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for 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 toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but 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 think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look 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 alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib sets, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides 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 safety features of our best crib for newborn cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.