How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, best crib for newborn (www.metooo.es) stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means 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 can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cots for newborns have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant'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 during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.