How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items 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. cheap cots bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
Full Statement is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's 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 by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. 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
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. 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 quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also 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 make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.