How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out 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. 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 get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic 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 many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, 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 the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
cots and tots Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require 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 instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including 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 seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.