10 No-Fuss Methods For Figuring Out Your Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery cots. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, infant Cot bed sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items 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 not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up 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 meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.