How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also Best cot for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization cot for sale safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose 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 all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable cots crib that will last.