How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best 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. They're also 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 adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. top ranked cribs 's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. 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 protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose 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 convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.