How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be trapped 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 meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged 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. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has 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 variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design 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 feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified 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 not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this 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 objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is well-known 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.