How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items 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. 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 get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with 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 differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. crib sets , such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For Best cot for newborn 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks 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 correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.