How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed 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, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. top rated cots to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later 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 early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.