How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes 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 it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Best cot for newborn is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. crib sets 's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including 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 seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.