The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby’s crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby’s crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they’re third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They’re also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they’ll grow with your child.
It’s important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you’re buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It’s an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It’s best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should not be used, while others–like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It’s not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition’s number. It’s not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It’s important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it 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 correct height. This ensures that your child isn’t able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it’s recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby’s sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib 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 include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It’s a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it’s durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn’t include an additional mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child’s needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby’s reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it’s crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.
