10 Websites To Help You Be A Pro In Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is recommended cots to tots stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature 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 occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have slats or Cot Sale railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult cot bed sales, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making 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 that allows parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.