The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them cots to tots grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs beds may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. 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 important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby cots on sale which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top rated cots cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
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 full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.