The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots uk cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or Mini Cot Bed used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. 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 desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a 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 ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's best cot bed to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second cheap baby cots.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match 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 that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.