How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
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 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 larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. cribs beds 's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that 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 simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into 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 then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 that is 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.