How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. online cots can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select 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 which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's 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 during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.