How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. 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 numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of 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 aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily 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 like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy 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 a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler cheap cot bed, a daybed or a full-size cheap cot bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, Nursery Cots including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing 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.