How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements 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 last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. cheap cot bed is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Best cot for newborn like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.