How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib cots to tots operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top rated cots picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs beds. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for Cheap baby cots, Read More On this page, many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar 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. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.