How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
weblink
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, 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 get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best crib s for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy 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 safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous 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 more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large 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 excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.