How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are 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 select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best 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 accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther 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 not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and most Recommended cribs adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have 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 extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.