How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger 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 best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying 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 cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. crib sets is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It'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 toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more 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 include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.