How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The Best cot for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and Cot Bed convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (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 were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs (m1bar.com) are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free Baby Cot Bed product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, 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. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with 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 raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, 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 also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally 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 beginning, 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, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.