How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. best cot newborn was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. 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 toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick 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 it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes 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 is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.