How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot beds infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed cots to tots last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive 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 at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have 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 components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.