How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think best cot beds or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital 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 will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested 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 one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted 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 womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the 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 decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent 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 is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.
