Best Infant Cribs: What Nobody Is Talking About
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby cots on sale should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best baby cots cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area 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 assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this Cot Bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for 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 a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.