How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended cribs to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices 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 right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good cribs condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally 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 a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.