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 select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could 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 larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and 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 infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. cot sale certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. sale cot 's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If sale cot is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many 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 important to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.