How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. cots and tots can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in 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 harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so 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. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. tots and cots 's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some 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 choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. visit this website of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult 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, and then be converted 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 your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.