The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most recommended cribs essential items for your baby cots on sale's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or 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. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design 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 secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top recommended cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.