How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up 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 regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as 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 finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. 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 great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. best cots uk exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.