How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to 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. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be 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 comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 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 broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. For instance, 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 utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional 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 most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many 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 will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. cot beds , minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.