The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, 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 be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy 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 might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then 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 months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation cot for sale quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.