How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. 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 that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. 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 pets or cribs children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, Best crib newborn minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your cheap baby cots for sale. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one 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 have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cots cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.