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 one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs beds that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together or Baby Cot not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, 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 a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.