How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, 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're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
nursery cots
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice 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 may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. cots to tots adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to 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 during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.