How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, 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 fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept 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, even though they all have to meet safety standards. small cot beds are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted 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 is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of 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 allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified 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 most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.