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 best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. best cot bed can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
affordable cots is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe 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 parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early 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 is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe 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 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.