The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best baby cots Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and best rated cribs (ondashboard.win) it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.