How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could 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 laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
full report should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. 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 one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for 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 a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of 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 that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 government safety standards, including 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 looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.