The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity tots and cots frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best infant cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, Cribs beds which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is 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.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great crib option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.