The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby’s crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby’s crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They’re also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to choose a crib that meets today’s strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib’s slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don’t purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you’ll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It’s designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it’s not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It’s worth noting, however it’s more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it’s vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of 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 good crib should come with 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 an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it’s best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby’s crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it’s simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn’t have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It’s more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn’t come with mattress. You’ll have to buy one separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn’t require special 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 usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to 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 all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then 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 that make it easy to match your nursery’s theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins 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 choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.