How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. recommended cribs suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has 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 be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.