How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
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 can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. cots to tots is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. cots to tots 's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as 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.