How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place 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 information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or 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 conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For infant cot bed -lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.