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 pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby’s crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby’s crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to choose a crib that is in line with today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It’s also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It’s best crib for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or cheap cot beds children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don’t purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively best cots for newborns sleeping infants, so it’s not an area to store toys or clothes. It’s also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it’s not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It’s important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby’s crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn’t able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it’s a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby’s crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn’t have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn’t have a mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. It’s a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child’s needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It 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 up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.