How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. top rated cots bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase 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 many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant 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, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
best crib for newborn that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.