How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child’s crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They’re also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s essential to choose a crib that meets today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It’s also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don’t buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it’s able to convert into a toddler Cot Bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It’s not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh 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 alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It’s important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it’s vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs (go to the website) will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby’s crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it’s easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn’t include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it’s sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It’s also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You’ll have to buy one separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It’s important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant’s bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It’s built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery’s theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.