How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best infant cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
cribs beds are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier 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 help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler Cot Bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional 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 transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for Baby cot many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 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 option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.