A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
SafetyWhen assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or cots4tots.co.uk stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. 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 certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of 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 a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can 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 an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.
