How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, 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. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby cot online is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select the crib that is tested and cheap baby cots 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the cheap baby cots's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable cots, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.