How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and 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. Avoid placing any items 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 also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
best crib for newborn should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. For example, 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an 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 is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 exceeds the 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 a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.