How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad 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 placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep 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 can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet 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 closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best crib are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your Baby Crib and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cot newborn cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, Cot sales so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.