How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in 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 be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. best crib for newborn says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
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 confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult 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 months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.