How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping 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 lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. best crib for newborn should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
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, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards 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 are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.