10 Startups Set To Change The Best Infant Cribs Industry For The Better
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other 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're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Baby Cot Bed feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. 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 correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.