How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. 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 baby cots cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal 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 certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
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, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and 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 nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options, and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top rated cots selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a best cot newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery 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, so small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality cots and tots environmental safety. It's constructed 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 like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.