How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. best cot bed bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and 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 do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
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 then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with 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 has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.