How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (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.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. cheap cot bed to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard 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 comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. cot beds for sale 's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.