How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. 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 cots4tots.co.uk blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist 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 turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.