How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given 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 selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, Mini Cotbed which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some 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 occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs beds include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also 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 make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the Baby Crib's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib sets has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second cheap baby cots.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, 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 government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.