How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use 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 popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic 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 other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures 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 good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. cheap cot beds 'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an 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 a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.