How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek 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 assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested 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 that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second Baby Cot.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger cot bed sales.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and baby cots online; yogicentral.science, JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.