How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up 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 comply with 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 certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older best crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable 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 help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at 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 protect your best baby cots from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi crib sets, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.