How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. 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 GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your Baby Cot Bed grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for cots offers [Mozillabd.science] quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.