10 Things We Hate About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as 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 many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free Cheap baby cots product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, 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 compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed 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 raised to a higher position to alleviate 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. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, best cot Bed choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to calm 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 safety, Cheap Baby Cots and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.