How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and best cot Newborn state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib sets should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place 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 are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised 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 comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks 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 level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple 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 as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby Cot Bed.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.