Best Infant Cribs: It s Not As Difficult As You Think
How to Choose the best cot newborn Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs (Discover More Here) will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's Mini Cot Bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great crib reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great crib choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.