How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish 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. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. cheap cot beds -party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be 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. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. 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
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can 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 organisation to ensure safety. 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 present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. 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 utilized to create a 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 an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.