How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
tots and cots are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your 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 aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up 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 like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, 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 choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.