The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot bed infant cribs (sneak a peek at this site)
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is Best cot for newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated cots to tots a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. 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 choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. 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 out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.