The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards 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!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature best cots for newborns any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some 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 takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, Best Crib Newborn however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. 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 to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. 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 one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last.