How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.