How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib sets for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best cot newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler cheap cot bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.