How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Look for tots and cots that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport 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 occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with 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. It's recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. 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. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is 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 to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation 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 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 that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.