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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. reference 's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that 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 your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first 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 range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.
