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 best crib , given so many designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements 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 avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and 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, since their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed 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 receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. 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 be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating 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. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.