How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. 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 chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs beds available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails cots to tots be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions 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 a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed 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 parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.