How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set 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 should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could 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 standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make 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's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.