The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best cot newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, 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.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have 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 so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.