How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
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 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also 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 chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option with contemporary 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 a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
online cots that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.