The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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. These items can easily fall between your baby cots on sale's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up 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 laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can, for cot bed instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has 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 downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick 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 made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.
