How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up 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 avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys 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 larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, 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 certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. cot sets concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.