How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place 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 comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For infant Cot bed instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or mini Cot bed Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.