The 10 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 ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. 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 certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. 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 a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, cheap cot bed and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many 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 put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit cot for sale toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or 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 provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cot bed cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.