How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place 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 sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. best cots for newborns may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
best cots for newborns to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those 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 comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.