How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing This Internet page 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, 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 space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy 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 airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. 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 for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
recommended you read is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.