The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs - our website -
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as 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 shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age cots and tots heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable 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. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cots for newborns combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your Baby Cot Bed's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler Cot Bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for Most recommended cribs a high-quality affordable crib that will last.