How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed 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. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. sale cot 's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some 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 occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important 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 higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do 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 the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.