How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby cots on sale‘s nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights tots and cots a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby’s crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby’s crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements 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!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child’s needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you’re purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It’s also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Also, 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 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It’s designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It’s also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It’s not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for mini Cot bed [recommended] many new parents. 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’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It’s important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top ranked cribs options, and it requires an additional 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 level. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it’s recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your Baby Cot sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn’t have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It’s more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it’s sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn’t come with mattresses. You’ll need to purchase one separately. It’s a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery’s theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available 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 that’s missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.