The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
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 buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this cheap cot bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit 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 turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby cots on sale's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.