How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with 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 impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted 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. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good cribs idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large Mini Cot Bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.