How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements 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 objects 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 stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
see more if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights 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 put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm 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 that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.