How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cots for newborns cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (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.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that 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 available and it's easy 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 the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler Cot Bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for mini Cot beds the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small cot beds feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.