How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby’s nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby’s crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, best Cot newborn and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to sleep in your baby’s crib. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child’s needs.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s essential to choose cribs that meet today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It’s an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be compromised. Also, don’t purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren’t safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn’t intended to be used for toys or clothes. It’s designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It’s also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It’s important to note, however it’s more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It’s recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified 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 are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby’s sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It’s more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it’s sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your cheap baby cots and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn’t come with mattresses. You’ll have to buy one separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child’s needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby’s reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it’s important to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child’s life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it’s made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.