How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. 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 are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Baby beds can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. 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 highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised 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 includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
Baby beds Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to 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 touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.