How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
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 blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. This Internet page should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. recommended you read can easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
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 should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. best rated cribs to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult 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 later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.