How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's 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 requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. 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 present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
cots to tots is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.