How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
best cots for newborns isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn 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 certified by a third party organisation for 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 present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was 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 gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with 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 so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.