Best Infant Cribs It s Not As Expensive As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. 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 comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe 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 birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as 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 look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, affordable cots making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds 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 option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.