How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. cots offers 's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. tots and cots of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.