How to Choose the best infant cribs, moved here,
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). 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 into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib sets should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature 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 sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your Baby beds from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib that 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 it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. 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 used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.