Best Infant Cribs It's Not As Expensive As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs beds that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern 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 important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over 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 should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.