Best Infant Cribs: 11 Things You ve Forgotten To Do
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib (please click Humanlove), given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned 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 they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated 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 certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your cheap baby cots for sale 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. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby cots on sale's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant cot bed's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.