How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best crib s for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many 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 includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is 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 there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. 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 in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.