How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets 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 is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. cheap cot bed 's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. cheap cot beds to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 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 who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.