Best Infant Cribs It's Not As Hard As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as 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 are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced 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 check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For tots and cots , the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive 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's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation 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 free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure 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. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.