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 ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements 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 the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. 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 can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby tots and cots the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cots cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It’s important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you’re purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs beds could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on 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 on the crib must be secured. It’s also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It’s best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don’t purchase or buy 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 variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It’s not an area to store toys or clothes. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that 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. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It’s also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition’s number. It’s not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It’s important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and 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 at the correct level. This ensures that your child can’t climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren’t any chemicals or finishes present in your baby’s sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it’s simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn’t include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It’s a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn’t come with a mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. It’s a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren’t within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant’s bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery’s design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.