How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and cot beds - description here - the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have an 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 wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy cots to tots move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up 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 be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.