The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (learn this here now)
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your Baby beds should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as 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 space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler Mini Cot 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 escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside 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 can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top choice 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 later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and cot bed (Recommended Reading) comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.
