How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include 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 transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.