How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. cots and tots may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
cots 4 tots
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping 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 contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. cots offers report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.