How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging 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, cots and tots blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of 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 finials and drop sides 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 as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs beds are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of 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 can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that 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 free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design 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 from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size Cot Bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed 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 a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.