How to Choose the
Best Infant CribsA crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other
top rated cots choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or
online cots even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your
cheap baby cots for sale and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our
best cots for newborns cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant'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 in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great 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 also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.