How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. mini cot beds makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however 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's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
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 sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an 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 many features that make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with 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.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available 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 the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. Continuing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.