How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could 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 of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for 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, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has 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 must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, cot bed sales takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's 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 the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for 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 in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted 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 an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.