Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can 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. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. Baby beds has a stellar reputation for quality and is available 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's 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.