How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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 stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, 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 are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could 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 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 damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
cot sale does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress 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.
sale cot are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
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 converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
mini cot beds 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.