How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that 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 information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs, go source, are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and Cot beds safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery cots spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler small cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.