Don t Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot newborn Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along 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 may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
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 appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though 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 mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and out of cheap baby cots's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top ranked cribs infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small cot beds parents can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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, best cot beds CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.