How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy 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
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. best cots 's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. most recommended cribs 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 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 adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is 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 excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
small cot beds is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.