How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
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Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.