How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your Baby Cot's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check 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 children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means 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 on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small cot beds parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.