The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot newborn infant cribs (More methods)
The crib is a very crucial piece for your Baby Cot's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs beds must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. 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 non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find 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 important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby 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 keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your Baby beds grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one 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.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a 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 come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.