How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing infant cot bed that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. 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 easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
Mini Cot Bed is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or 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 excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.