How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider 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 are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes 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, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby cots on Sale from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.