How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out best cots for newborns can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken 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. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and 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 as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
cots to tots to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If nursery cots decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.