Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. cots offers includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--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 clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. 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 fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can 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 components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
cots and tots for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.