Having a baby is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming as you constantly prepare for their arrival. Buying the proper crib is one of the most significant investments for your infant and for building healthy sleeping patterns into toddlerhood. Ensuring your baby’s sleep environment promotes safety, security, and comfort will only bring peace of mind to us parents as they obtain much-needed rest in their first years. To make this process easier on new parents, we have brought together our top selections for infant cribs to give babies a fantastic start on their sleep adventure.
Is a Crib a Necessity?
In addition to a bassinet or a playard certified for sleep, a crib is the safest location for your baby to sleep. What type of crib you choose is up to you. Some parents choose a full-size cot from the start, while others choose a tiny crib due to space limits or desire.
Regardless of your design or brand of a crib, it’s crucial to follow safe sleep recommendations constantly. Your infant should be laid on their back on a firm sleep surface with a fitted sheet with no other bedding, blankets, or soft things like toys or stuffed animals.
When Does Your Baby Need a Crib?
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages room sharing—when a baby sleeps in the parents' room near the parent's bed but on a separate sleep surface—for at least the first six months. Although you can use a crib for your kid from day one, many parents choose to start with their infant in a bassinet. Even if you don't plan on utilizing a crib immediately, consider adding one to your registry since it's a pricey item that friends and family may want to pitch in to acquire for you.
The Different Kinds of Cribs
While looking for the ideal baby crib, there are a few fundamental sorts of cribs to consider:
Travel Cribs
Travel cribs are ideal for vacation or if you're spending the night away from home because they're less in weight and simple to set up and tear down.
Convertible cribs
These can be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or even a standard-sized bed frame. The names 4-in-1 and 3-in-1 cribs are other names for these cribs. Most convertible cribs need conversion kits to change into various configurations. Depending on when you buy your crib, these kits may or may not be included. Pro tip: Get the conversion kit along with your convertible crib! This will guarantee that it is still available when you need it.
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Micro Cribs
Just as they sound, micro cribs are scaled-down counterparts of standard cribs. Tiny cribs are frequently equipped with wheels for convenient transportation and are typically more significant than a bassinet but smaller than a regular crib. (Some can even be stored by being folded flat.) Depending on the type, most tiny cribs can accommodate you from the newborn stage until your child is roughly two or three years old. A compact crib is a perfect choice if you have a little area or need a portable cot.
Traditional Cribs
Full-size cribs with four sides are traditional cribs, often known as conventional cribs.
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How to Pick The Best Crib for You
When choosing a crib, most parents base their decision on style, size, affordability, or a combination. Here are some considerations for your shopping trip.
Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has set criteria for all cribs produced after 2011. (CPSC). It is not advised to buy a used crib. This is due to the exceedingly strict (and continuously changing) safety requirements on cribs. Since older cribs can tend to weaken at times, the only way to guarantee the structural integrity of a crib is to purchase a new one, especially if it has had regular use by an older child.
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Mattress Settings
Be sure the crib you choose includes a minimum of a few mattress adjustment settings that let you lower and elevate the mattress. It would help if you lowered the mattress as they get bigger and started sitting and standing so they can't get out.
Integrity
Verify that each crib component is in place, functioning, and sturdy before and after assembly. Ensure there are no cracked, broken slats or loose pieces, etc. If the distance between the slats of your crib is greater than 2 3/8 inches (about the diameter of a Coke can), it is unsafe to utilize the crib.
Top 6 Cribs of 2023
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West Elm Mid-Century 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
This chic cot will add classic mid-century style to your nursery. Its crib's modern profile and softly tapered legs, which were inspired by iconic shapes from the 1950s and 1960s, look stylish in any setting. Also, with the appropriate conversion kit (each available separately), it may be converted into a toddler bed or a full bed, allowing it to grow with your child.
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Babyletto Lolly 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
The Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib sports a sleek, contemporary appearance by creatively blending painted and natural wood surfaces. The rectilinear frame, softened by curved corners and tapering legs, contrasts with the round spindles. To convert the crib into a toddler bed, use the provided conversion kit. The Lolly Crib is manufactured with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials and is guaranteed Greenguard Gold accreditation, which means it has been inspected for 360 VOCs and 10,000+ chemicals. Babyletto, a New Zealand-based manufacturer, is dedicated to environmental safety and sustainability.
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Ikea Gulliver Crib
There are two alternative heights available for this bed foundation.
One crib side may be removed when the child is old enough to climb into and out of the crib. Because the sturdy materials in the crib base have been tested to ensure they provide your baby's body with the support it needs, it will sleep safely and comfortably. The crib foundation is correctly ventilated for efficient air circulation, providing your youngster with a comfortable sleeping environment.
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Delta Children Essex 4-In-1 Convertible Baby Crib
Modern nurseries will benefit from the Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib. It has splayed feet with a natural finish and slightly curved corners for a contrast that screams '70s cool. Starting with the mattress at the highest level and lowering it as your baby learns to sit or stand, the crib's adjustable height mattress allows it to grow with your child. When your kid outgrows the crib, turn it into a toddler bed, daybed, or sofa. Essex 4-in-1 Crib and Essex Changing Table/Bookcase by Delta Children are the perfect complements to each other to complete your mid-century contemporary nursery. To make secure, high-quality cribs accessible to all families, Delta Children was established. To ensure that they meet or exceed industry requirements, all Delta Children cribs are JPMA approved.
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Simmons Kids Avery 3-In-1 Baby Crib With Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
The security and health of your child are your top priorities as a parent. This is why choosing a GREENGUARD Gold Certified crib will make you feel good about your decision. Its accreditation guarantees that it meets or surpasses strict chemical emissions criteria, making it a healthy option for your child's sleeping environment and its fashionable and contemporary appearance. This crib is a long-lasting investment for your family because it can hold a regular-size crib mattress (available separately) and has a toddler guardrail that provides additional protection as your child develops. Also, you can rest easy knowing that your child is resting in a secure environment thanks to the simple installation of expertly constructed Delta Children products.
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Davinci Autumn 4-In-1 Mini Crib
A stunning, complete solution for any chic nursery is the Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Little Crib. Because of its small size, it can fit more into tighter areas, giving your baby more room to play and develop.
Choosing the Right Crib for Your Baby
With this information in hand, you and your baby will feel secure as they start their trip toward sleep. Also, put safety first; while choosing the ideal crib for your infant, look for features like guardrails that go above and above safety requirements.
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