How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn’t easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby’s crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They’re also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they’ll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to select cribs that meet today’s strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It’s an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to 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 than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should be avoided, while others–like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn’t intended to be used for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn’t as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It’s important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby’s crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or top rated cots even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It’s recommended for you to choose 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 your baby’s crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it’s simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn’t have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby cots on sale slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It’s a bit more costly than most cribs, but it’s durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your cheap baby cots for sale. It’s also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn’t include a mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It’s a secure, comfortable crib that can grow 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. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby’s reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, 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. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it’s important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery’s theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.