How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be 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 to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and best Crib Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also Best cot for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation 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 is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your cheap baby cots. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice cot beds for sale those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.