How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up 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 to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. online cots will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.