How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present 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 cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant 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, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. great crib are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. 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.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.