How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby’s crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby’s crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they’re tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They’re also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It’s an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is best crib to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don’t buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you’ll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it’s not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. 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 options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby’s crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn’t fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It’s also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. 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 chemical or other finishes in your baby’s sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib’s sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent 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 great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You’ll have to buy one separately. However, it’s a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn’t require specialized tools or long assembly time. most recommended cribs parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It’s important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It’s designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery’s design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of 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’s missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.