How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that 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 has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.