How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. Full Statement isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent 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 and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select This Internet page that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.