Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with 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 crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your Baby Crib's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. 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 toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your Baby Cot from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cots uk cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, cheap baby cots the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.