How to Choose the best infant cribs (published on bbs.pku.edu.cn)
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the 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, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and sale cot is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best cot beds combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your Baby Crib sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for mini cotbed a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.