How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The most suitable 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, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand
Good cribs cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks
cots to tots your baby.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can 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 stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most
good cribs will also come with 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 also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable
tots and cots has many features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our
best baby cots cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them.