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 ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has 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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could 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 adhere to strict federal and state regulations 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 are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best cot beds are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and Recommended Cribs toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler infant cot bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.