The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top ranked cribs picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you 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 an adult daybed or a toddler cot bed sales once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top ranked cribs choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.