How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. sale cot could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
mini cot beds have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby 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. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It 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. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.