How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with 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 certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. reference 's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
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 be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. tots and cots of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it 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 should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.