How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. Baby Crib 's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition 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 consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.