The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best crib Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your Baby Crib's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best baby cots to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.