How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
most recommended cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable 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 features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love 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 a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. most recommended cribs is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.