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 select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. cots offers 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 become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so 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 are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned 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 can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization 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 a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require 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 generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing 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.