How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. best cot beds of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm 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 protection, 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 the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included 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.