How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
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 could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for 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 on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline 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 numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary 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
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
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 so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained 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 fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. best crib newborn can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.