The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (website link)
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for mini cotbed structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and online Cots can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested cots and tots certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to 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 for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.