How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of 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 cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear 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 many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
great crib that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, 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 looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.