How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various 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 complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety 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 to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. Continuing 's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress 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 aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes 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 recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, sale cot reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
cot sales with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like 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 injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized 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, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.