How to Choose best crib for newborn is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern 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 avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
best crib for newborn for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or 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 occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. 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 also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good 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 include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending 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.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and 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 excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.