The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cots for newborns Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The Best cot for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations 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 flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. 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 friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it 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 is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until 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 in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so 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 gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and best cots for newborns soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including 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 looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.