How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. click homepage could fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be 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 like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their 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 items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.