How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your Baby Cot Bed and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby cot online.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or cheap baby Cots For sale below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
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 built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.