How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. 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 certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent 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 keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or most Recommended Cribs accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most recommended cribs cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.