10 Amazing Graphics About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby cots on sale's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 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's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see Baby beds, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs (go!!) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling 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 decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler 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 be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.