How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. small cot beds meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly 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 vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long 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 generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.