The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (just click the next document)
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys 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 get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant cot bed sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby cots on sale which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good 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 a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your Baby beds's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. 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 issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.