How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure 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 overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs , but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
read review is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.