How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations 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 durable and convertible, cots4tots.co.uk so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that 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 reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.