How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep 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 in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
see post are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see 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, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
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 more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
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 cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.