How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed 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 standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. cribs beds in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. 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 features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.