How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
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Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea 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 are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level 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 important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.