The 10 Most Terrifying 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. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs beds have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential Best cot for newborn any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great crib alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a toddler cheap cot bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult 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 during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. 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 safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government 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 choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.