How to Choose the best infant cribs (sources)
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or Baby Cot damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the 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, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and Best Cot For newborn reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby cot online.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has 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.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, cots 4 tots high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.