The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of recommended cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as 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. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition 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 bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose 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 choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months tots and cots then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand best Crib newborn pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.