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 a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe 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, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. cots offers says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic 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. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. tots and cots 's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant 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.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.