How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with 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 setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're 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 essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. cribs beds could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
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. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve 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 alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
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 a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 standards of government agencies such as 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 want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.