How to Choose the
Best Infant CribsThe crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and
cot for Sale looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the
crib sets, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted 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 an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any
nursery cots.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, Nursery Cots (
Google.Com.Om) and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar 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).