How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that 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 has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. cots to tots 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 crib that will last for a long time.