How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. navigate here comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish 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 can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
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 an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.