How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. best infant cribs 's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only 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 that has contemporary design 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 elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The only downside 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 can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
best infant cribs is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.