How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards 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 sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant 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 recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
cots and tots with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is 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. cots and tots is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can 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 hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.