How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. 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 for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. small cot beds , such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is 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 sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy 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 enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. small cot beds is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. small cot beds that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick 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 full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.