Best Infant Cribs: What Nobody Is Discussing
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for 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 are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (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 components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. Cot Bed 's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
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 be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
cot beds is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.