The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best baby cots infant cribs (More Material)
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for 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 mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea 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 no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible best crib for newborn is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.