The 10 Most Scariest 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 with so many different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your Baby Crib.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary 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
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose 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 that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your Baby Cot Bed. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of cheap baby cots.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler'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 in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.