How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib 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 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 between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
navigate here are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant'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 for the early years and later transformed 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 with your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.