How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. cots offers may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may 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 safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive 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 prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. 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 simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But 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 most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. online cots are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.