How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. cheap cot bed tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might 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 to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with 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 a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested 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 ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option 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's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it 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 is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured 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 simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.