Best Infant Cribs Isn't As Difficult As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). 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 between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
recommended cribs for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.