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 ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and 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. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, cots and tots or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is 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 confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. cots and tots of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.