The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your Baby Cot should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good cribs idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes 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 beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.