How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. 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, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance 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 toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy 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 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 be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler small cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your cheap baby cots for sale. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib sets is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top ranked cribs choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a 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 with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety 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 a great option for those who are looking for an affordable cots, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.