How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your
cheap baby cots for sale is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs (
https://gpsites.win/story.php?title=how-to-outsmart-your-Boss-on-most-recommended-cribs) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her
Baby beds slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little 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 and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb
cot for sale your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant 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 your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.