How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe cots and tots should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that 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 transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler Mini Cot Bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, cots and tots then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.