How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets 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 can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, 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 an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.