How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby cot online. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of 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 on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
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 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, 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's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and best cots for newborns has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby cots online sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/665/uuoeebb-4-in-1-bedside-crib-baby-bassinet-with-changing-table-baby-bedside-sleeper-with-mattress-baby-crib-with-wheels-travel-bag-5-height-adjustable-rocking-crib-for-newborn-665.jpg)This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.
