How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to 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 can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get 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 and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety 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 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. Baby Cot Bed is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. 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. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester 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.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then 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 then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. mini cotbed is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.