How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, Baby Cot Bed cot for sale - www.northwestu.edu - toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot bed cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. 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 certificates!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant'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 an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed 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 beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.