How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, 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 convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
cot sale are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's 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 with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also 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 it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.