The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping 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 pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims cots and tots the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's Best cot for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable 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 get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress 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 child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby cots on sale slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. 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 a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best crib for newborn cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib sets into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. 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 seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.