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, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept 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
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. cots to tots 's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed 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 an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
best cots for newborns will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 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 to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.