The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (Read the Full Content)
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger 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 within them. They may also get swallowed 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, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could 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 safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. 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 popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used 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 registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of baby cots on sale.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler Cot Bed and finally a full-size cot bed sales.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.