Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended 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 a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.


The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important 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 all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. cot sets '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, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.

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Pub: 07 Oct 2024 02:38 UTC
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