How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like 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 thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, cot beds For Sale it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for cribs toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-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 however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's 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 adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or Cot Beds create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until 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 during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar 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. 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 that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.