How to Choose the best crib Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby’s crib. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They’re also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you’re purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose 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 drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren’t safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It’s not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, baby beds it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn’t as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It’s important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby’s crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it’s best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it’s easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn’t include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib’s sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It’s a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It’s also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn’t include mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child’s needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby’s reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top ranked cribs cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed 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 with your nursery’s theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it’s made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.