The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, best rated Cribs dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has 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 must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting 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 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top rated cots selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant cot bed to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great crib choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.