Best Infant Cribs It's Not As Expensive As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby 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 when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
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 the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
crib sets is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and 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's missing is a toddler rail, that 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.