The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs - a cool way to improve,
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to 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 certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or Best Cots For Newborns used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy 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 your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, 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 the mattress on your Baby Crib's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Cot Bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or Mini Cot Bed pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it 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 must be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized 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, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.