How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. Baby Cot recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local 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!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. 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 expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which 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 ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has 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 only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm 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, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.