How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in 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 and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Baby beds
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. 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 used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of 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 generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.