How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, 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 shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and 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 the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can 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 stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
view publisher site dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.