20 Things You Need To Know About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be 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 engulfed by the mattress.
The best baby cots cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It is best cot beds to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's 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 are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed 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 height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs (news) will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose 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 make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery cots.
The only downside 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 can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say 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.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler Mini Cot Bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.