How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning 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 in the nursery of your baby. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can 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's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of 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 includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib sets into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for cot Beds you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes 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 layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good cribs reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.