How to Choose the best infant cribs (
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A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The
best rated cribs infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your
Baby Crib's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long 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 instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for
cot Beds quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds 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.