How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out 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 fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
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Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and 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 requires an additional 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 correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. sale cot is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.