How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get 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 meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, 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 the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. Home Page has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.