Don t Buy Into These "Trends" About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your cheap baby cots for sale should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top ranked cribs picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to 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 the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your cheap baby Cots is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent 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 baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.