How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support 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 could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, 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.
cots offers that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, 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 at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
cots offers or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened 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 special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is 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. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler 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 replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.