How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good 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 most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
try this website is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant 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 excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so 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 from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.