How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed 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 fits well into big nursery cots spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. 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
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested 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 not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, best Crib so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand Baby beds pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.