How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek 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. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, Good Cribs (Bogazicitube.Com.Tr) or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the 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 age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's Best cot for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for cot bed sales any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has 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 consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top rated cots infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.