How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And cots 4 tots are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality 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 is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible 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 months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.