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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for Baby beds the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed 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 chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
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, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
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 smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler Mini Cot Bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.