Don't Believe In These "Trends" About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib 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's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended 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 list so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats 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 an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. Cots For Tots guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.