How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. 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. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding 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're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and Cot Sets wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. 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 or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance 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 level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the Baby Crib's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her Baby beds slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
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 other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult cheap cot bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.