How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs (have a peek at this site) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards 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, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or cheap baby cots for sale purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design 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 new parents find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or most recommended Cribs [Reenergo.com] overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cot bed cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and Best cots uk later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.