Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations 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 last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best cots uk to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best cot newborn combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must cot for sale any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes 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
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition 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 contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together 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 it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.