How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. great crib may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of 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 improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.