How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. best cot bed comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe 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 and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. best crib 'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. best cot bed , minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.