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 select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or 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 aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
best cots for newborns is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with 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 it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.