How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your Baby Cot.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. 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 modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to 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 be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your Baby Cot Bed grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your Baby Cot Bed. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety 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 beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great crib choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.