How to Choose the best infant cribs (see page)
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped 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 comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or Baby Beds ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use cots and tots clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by 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 allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to select a 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, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose 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 a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking cot beds for sale a quality affordable crib that will last.