The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get 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 comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (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 important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand recommended cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib 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 should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and Cot Beds maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for Infant cot Bed babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best rated cribs infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. 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 safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.