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 isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially 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). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
More hints come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs 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 is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small 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 of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.