How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should 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 become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. via can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also best to choose 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 ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.