How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
cheap cots for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like 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.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have 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 convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.