How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest 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 setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or
Cots4tots.Co.Uk be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that 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 has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted 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 space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
