The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or best baby cots placed closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't designed 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 recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for best Infant cribs babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for Best Infant Cribs safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture 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 decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and Great Crib are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace 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 that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable cots crib that will last.