How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern 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 get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal 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 be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use 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 heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, 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 atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.