How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights 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 where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. similar web page ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. For instance, it can 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 has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.