How to Choose best crib newborn is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
cribs beds come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. best crib for newborn comes with 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 it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and 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 great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.