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 can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, tots and cots such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top rated cots 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 correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler Cot Bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take 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, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.