How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. 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 has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything 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 information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether Full File buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and 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 choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple 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 touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.