How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items 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 bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best cot bed to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
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 just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like 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 believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider 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 certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.