How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. crib sets are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert 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's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. crib sets 's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.