How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, Cots4Tots are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many 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 believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable 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 transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.