The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken in 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 comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is best cots for newborns to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. 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 and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected 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's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, 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 was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for best infant cribs your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.