Best Infant Cribs: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. cot beds for sale can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib 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 should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. 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, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 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 choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also 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 guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy 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. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.