The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs; Learn More Here,
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The Best cot for newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with 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 certificates!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity tots and cots use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid 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 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top rated cots picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler Cot Bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with 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 that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.