Best Infant Cribs Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy 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 other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. 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 more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. cribs beds has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.