How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid small cot beds , stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For best cots , the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it 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. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. 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 any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has 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 only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a 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 infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have 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 decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all 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 option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.