How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant 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 heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, tots and cots Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your Baby Crib. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top ranked cribs infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large 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.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.