The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (Read the Full Post)
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy 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 differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Cot sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great crib alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler Cot Bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
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 converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.