How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. crib sets to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. 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 as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.