15 Gifts For The Best Infant Cribs Lover In Your Life
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib sets has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top ranked cribs-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it 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 that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine cots and tots is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.