How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. They could easily fall into or get 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 adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 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. Don't purchase or buy a crib with 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, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. see post is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, see post takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
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 the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-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 it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.