The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best cot for newborn infant cribs (read this blog post from Blogfreely)
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and 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 easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. 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!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with 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's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your Baby beds sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, Great crib CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last.