How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. best crib newborn is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.