How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling 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, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (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 recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in 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, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick the 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 minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
top rated cots is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in 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 assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.