How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can 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 that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.