The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib sets, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and Best infant cribs are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within 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 the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into 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 during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.