The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested tots and cots inspected 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 best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or Cot Bed above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.