How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up 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 regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, best crib for newborn JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and Best crib newborn we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and Recommended cribs (www.dermandar.com) 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 important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring 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 still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed 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 a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small cot beds parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.