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 designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. 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.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed 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 fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.