How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether best cots uk buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also 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 bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
best cots uk will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.