How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is essential to not place 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 sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
Baby Cot Bed for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. infant cot bed to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has 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. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.