How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. cots and tots is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed 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, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby 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. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If cots offers decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar 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 safety, and it's constructed 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.