The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, 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 certificates!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to 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 cots and tots the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
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 buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. 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 sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby cots on sale's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items tots and cots aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top ranked cribs infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.