How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib 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 Cot For sale blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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 an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib sets that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.