Best Infant Cribs: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped 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 loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters 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 a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. 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 an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
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 jarring pieces or parts. cots4totsuk of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. 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 child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure 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 look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 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's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.