The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best infant cot bed Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local tots and cots state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop 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 becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization 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 aren't any chemicals or finishes in your Baby Cot's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's 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 to ensure that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.