The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, 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 which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended for you to choose 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top rated cots choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.
