15 Best Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, sale cot said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.