How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as 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 shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. best cots uk adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive 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 important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to select the 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's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
cots to tots or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. best cots for newborns love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.