The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes 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 your cheap baby cots's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cot bed-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted 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 a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.