How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
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. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. most recommended cribs 's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around 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 be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no 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. recommended cribs can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.