How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends cots and tots family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for Cots to tots any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cots infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design 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 who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.