How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select 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 sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become 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 comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. cot for sale will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in 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 is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.