How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm 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 shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. recommended cribs -round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside 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 expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made 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 that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. most recommended cribs is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.