The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also 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 adhere to 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 certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. 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 other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct 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 becoming suffocated.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib 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 jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, 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 do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.
