How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for
Cots to tots the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). 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 between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The
best cot beds cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, cot beds (
connect-portal.dr2go.jp said) harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
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 on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs (
https://connect-portal.dr2go.Jp) will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our
top ranked cribs choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative.