The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cots for newborns Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs (look here) that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets 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 that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best crib infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept recommended 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many 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 a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Cot Bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler best cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something 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 other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.