The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed 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. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, Cot Bed such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature 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 are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months cots and tots birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a 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, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery cots.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need cots to tots buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, 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 who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.