How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be swallowed 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 laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase 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 adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. cot bed sales can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many 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 is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. go now 's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.