The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (extra resources)
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your Baby Crib's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and Cot Sets modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like 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 height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable cot for sale babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up 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 comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
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 transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.