How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, best crib for newborn has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. best crib for newborn will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable 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 recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.