15 Lessons Your Boss Would Like You To Know You'd Known About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see 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 and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging 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 note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. nursery cots adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and 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 your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.