How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern 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 to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed 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, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, 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 options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. most recommended cribs 's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then 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 months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.