How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become 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 of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note 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 sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose 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 your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. Full File is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable 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 decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.