How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could 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 and state regulations regarding 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 tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. cots 4 tots says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
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 comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.