The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and 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 that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for Cot sale structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy 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. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy 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 safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides cots and tots finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best cots for newborns have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been certified and tested 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 that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small cot beds hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable cots crib that will last.