How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
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 conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or tots and cots (frontier-w.com) toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or best rated cribs dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do 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 a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made 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 not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.