The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the 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 if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like 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 essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
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 an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or Sale Cot other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best crib for newborn cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.