How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning 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 strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your Baby Cot, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged 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 remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best cots to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make 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 so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.