How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up 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 adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're 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 flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, 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. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. cot beds for sale -round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say 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 will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
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 transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.