How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for 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 durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. cheap cot beds in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies 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 isn't as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe 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 makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select 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 it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as 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 contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
linked webpage is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.