17 Signs You Work With Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cots infant cot bed Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
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 must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.