20 Up-And-Comers To Follow In The Best Infant Cribs Industry
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby cots and tots the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for cribs beds infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top ranked cribs-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely 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.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.