The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (go right here)
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love Best cot for newborn combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler cot bed sales or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance 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 to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect 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 child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.