How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your Baby Crib should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party cot for sale quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been 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 numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. 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 or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the 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 options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to 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 the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands cots to tots touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.