How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The Best cot for newborn cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the best crib newborn. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively cot for sale sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. 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 beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib 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 mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn 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 on the rails or infant cot bed become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling 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. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's best cot bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.