How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. best crib for newborn of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. 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 choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also 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. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it 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 and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. top rated cots , minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.