How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of 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 must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as 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 options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.