How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out 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 also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. best cot beds Cots 4 Tots makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition 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 modern style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like 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 looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.