How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards 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 are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
tots and cots that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best 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, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping 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 shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, 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 comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. cots 4 tots will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.