Five People You Should Know In The Best Infant Cribs Industry
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your Baby Crib.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the 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 just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half 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. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly 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 the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. 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.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself, cribs Beds (www.Google.ki) and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
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's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and top Ranked cribs espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including 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 an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.