How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could 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, 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 certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. 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 popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.