How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby’s nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby’s crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They’re also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or Cots offers CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you’re purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It’s also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It’s also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don’t buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you’ll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and baby cots On sale drop sides aren’t safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn’t designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It’s also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It’s worth noting, however it’s more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby’s crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky 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 that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it’s recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib’s sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it’s easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn’t have mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
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 a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren’t within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our Best cot for newborn cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn’t require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery’s theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.