How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be 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 get taken in 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 regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
most recommended cribs is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended 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 purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended 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 a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include 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. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.