The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cot bed cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best crib to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real 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 as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best baby cots are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified 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 in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to 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 in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.