How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. 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 best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with 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 certifications!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs beds that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of 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 the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable 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 airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after 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 more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery cots.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.