The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable 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. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design 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 alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best crib newborn-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has 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.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.