How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items 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 other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
best cots for newborns 's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization 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 the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
nursery cots dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half 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. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.