The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that 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). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cots infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed 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, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember 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 the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby 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 will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery cots's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.