How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in 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 that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local 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 certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good 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 free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are More methods dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
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 transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.