The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child 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 details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, Cot Sets or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and Top Ranked cribs 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 those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler Cot Bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.