How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed 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 an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
recommended you read with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
recommended you read for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. 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, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.