How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to 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 certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified 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 beds is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby cots online. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, Tots And Cots so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.