The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot newborn Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer 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 essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and Cots And Tots daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best cots for newborns-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained 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 style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted 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 which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.