A Provocative Rant About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended cribs to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help cots to tots improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes 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

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple 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 tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin cots to tots a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within baby cot online's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.