How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging 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 to 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're 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 convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. 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 all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with 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
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. cot beds of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with 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 a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
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, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.