How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. 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 bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 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 examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are Cot Bed dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). 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 purchase separately. Cot Bed is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.