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 pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed 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, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. cots offers can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.