How to Choose the
Best Infant CribsA crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The
best cots cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating 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 is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another
great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant
Mini Cot Bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
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This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.