How to Choose the best infant cribs (www.cots4tots.co.uk)
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. 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 choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided 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 recommended to select 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.