Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are 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 stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert 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 certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. cheap cots 'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large 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 excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.