Best Infant Cribs: What No One Is Talking About
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be 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 the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available 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 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby cots on sale slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple 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 a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size cot bed sales. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.
