The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (by Kexiaoshuang)
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best crib for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant cot bed bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib sets is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all 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 crib option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.