How to Choose the
Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury,
cot Beds including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The
best baby cots cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and
Most Recommended Cribs daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler
small cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also
best cot newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child.
