How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards cot for sale structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler mini 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 isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best cots uk to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs beds, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report 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 lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.