How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern 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 baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local 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 also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. best cots for newborns to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. best cots uk certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that is 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 make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available 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 smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.