How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you 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 the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best cot bed to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For cots and tots To Tots (Articlescad.Com) example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is 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.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's 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 so that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.