Best Infant Cribs The Process Isn t As Hard As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and Mini Cotbed it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating 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 infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler cheap cot bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best cot beds to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase cot beds for sale new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.