How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, 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 choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. cribs Cots For Tots has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
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 that you can do 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 usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then 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 bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.