How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots uk cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, Cheap Baby cots for sale you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and mini cot bed - https://articlescad.com - maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe tots and cots should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.