How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase 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 safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib sets isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature 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).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out tots and cots fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. 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 in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet 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.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase cot beds for sale many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is 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 that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.