How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. 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 larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the Best cot for newborn-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick 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 full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.