How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security 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 range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
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. 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. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements 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 durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
small cot beds 's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. 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 to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For recommended cribs , the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes 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 worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it 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 more child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick 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 to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.