How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others 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, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other 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 more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices 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 ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow 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 over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is 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 option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. online cots can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.