The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cots infant cribs (mozillabd.science published a blog post)
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib sets on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared cots to tots smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. 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 picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option 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 other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened tots and cots are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top rated cots infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose 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 convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from 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 lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.