How to Choose the best infant cribs (anchor)
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cot beds cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. 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 product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe 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 provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within baby cots online's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and 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 into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available 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 beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and best crib JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.