How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might 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 options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however 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 level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. 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 finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's cheap cot bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size cheap cot bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, crib sets 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.