How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby’s crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your Baby beds‘s crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They’re also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they’ll grow with your child.
It’s crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you’re buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity 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 prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware cot beds for sale any loose or damaged components.
It’s also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren’t safe and should not be used and others, like 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 a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, Cot Beds and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It’s also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It’s important to note, however, that it’s more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It’s an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby’s crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib’s sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn’t come with mattresses. You’ll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn’t require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child’s life all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It’s built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery’s design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option cot beds for sale those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.