How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and 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 important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to 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 tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the 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 security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and online Cots some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for 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. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, Cheap Cots which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and Mini Cot Beds requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which 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 one of the top-rated cribs on the market, 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 shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great crib option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.